A karate instructor who claimed he was crippled with arthritis got his benefits chopped when investigators caught him high-kicking his way through a martial arts class,

Black belt Raymond Middleton was rumbled when undercover benefit officers caught him on camera as he led students through a series of high-energy kicks, punches and blows.

The powerfully built 47-year-old claimed hand-outs for years for the arthritis he told benefit bosses had left him severely disabled.

Sunderland magistrates heard how Middleton kept drawing disability cash while he ran a string of karate groups for a year at the council-run Hedworthfield Community Association in Jarrow, South Tyneside.

He was finally floored when investigators filmed him putting the groups through their moves in the ancient Chinese art.

Prosecutor Paul Heron told the court: "There is evidence that he was seen teaching pupils in the art of karate, being involved in moves and running around the gym. He appeared to be perfectly normal, fit and healthy.

"He was interviewed and admitted running three karate classes.

"He said his health had improved since he separated from his wife."

Middleton, of Whitburn, Wearside, admitted three specimen charges of obtaining benefit by deception, Benefit bosses estimated he swindled about £4,500 over two years.

Lisa Waddle, defending, said Middleton had returned to karate following an acrimonious split from his wife.

She said: "It was a means of escapism from a bitter home life. He was depressed and suicidal and karate was the only thing keeping him going.

"He accepts he made a huge mistake running these classes and claiming benefit. It was an extremely foolish thing to do - he knows he has committed a grave error of judgement."

Middleton, now a warehouse worker, was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I was in pain while I was doing the classes and I still suffer badly from arthritis.

"Whoever did this to me by tipping off the authorities has got their way. I'm a karate instructor. I'll take it on the chin and I'll bounce back.

"The exercise I was doing at the time was helping to ease the pain of the arthritis. I was not doing enough teaching to earn a living. I was simply helping some kids out.